Parthian Climbing
ENTRY
from £10
SETTING
Indoors
WHERE
Southampton
What it’s like
Bouldering, lead climbing and auto belay walls indoors, with taster sessions for 7 to 15 and a Wild Climbers class for 3 to 6 year olds.
This is a proper climbing centre rather than a soft play with a wall bolted on. There are over 150 boulder problems across seven circuits, 75 lead routes, two speed walls and seven auto belay lines, so a confident climber could spend a whole day just working through the different styles. For younger ones there's Wild Climbers for ages 3 to 6, and taster sessions for 7 to 15 year olds who want a structured first go rather than just being let loose on the wall.
A day pass is £16 for an adult, £14 concessions, £10 for youth or student, and gets you unlimited time on-site rather than a fixed slot. Worth knowing that equipment hire isn't included in that price. Shoes, harness and belay device add up separately, or £7 for the full package, unless you're on a course, class or membership, where it's thrown in. First-time visitors also pay a one-off £3.50 registration fee at reception, which stings slightly when you're already totting up hire costs.
If you're a competent climber yourself, you can supervise your own kids on the wall once you've filled in a supervisor form, which is worth doing in advance rather than at the desk while a seven-year-old is bouncing to get started. Otherwise the instructor-led sessions and NICAS courses (from age 7) are the way in, letting kids progress and work towards actual competition standard rather than just messing about. There's a café on site for the inevitable post-climb refuel, and walk-ins are fine, though new climbers need to pass a quick competency check before they're allowed on the ropes unsupervised.
Opening hours run late on weekdays, 10am to 10pm Monday to Friday, and 10 to 7 at weekends, so an after-school session is entirely doable.
Facilities
Need to know
- Best for
- 3 to 6 with Wild Climbers, 7 upwards for tasters and NICAS courses
- Bring your own shoes and harness if you have them, hire isn't included in day passes
- The £3.50 registration fee only applies on your first visit
- New climbers need to pass a competency test at reception before climbing unsupervised
- Supervising your own child needs a signed supervisor form first
- Weekday evenings run until 10pm if you fancy an after-school or after-work climb
Plan your visit
How much does it cost?
A day pass is £16 for an adult, £14 concessions and £10 for youth or student. There's also a 10 Climb Pass and monthly memberships if you're going regularly.
Do we need to book ahead?
Walk-ins are welcome, but new climbers need to pass a quick competency test at reception first. Booking is recommended if you want a taster session or course.
Is equipment hire included in the price?
Not in the day pass or punch pass, it's extra: £4 for shoes, £4 for a harness, £2 for a belay device, or £7 for the full package. It is included if you're doing a course, class or membership.
What ages can climb?
Wild Climbers classes are for ages 3 to 6, taster sessions run for 7 to 15 year olds, and the NICAS course starts from age 7 for kids who want to progress properly.
Can I climb with my own kids instead of booking an instructor?
Yes, competent climbers can supervise their own children or friends, but you'll need to complete a supervisor form for each person first.
Is there a registration fee?
New customers pay a one-off £3.50 registration fee at reception on their first visit.
What's there to do besides bouldering?
There are 75 lead routes for top rope and lead climbing, two 10m speed walls and seven auto belay lines, alongside the 150-plus boulder problems.
What are the opening hours?
10am to 10pm Monday to Friday, and 10am to 7pm on weekends.
Is there food on site?
There's a café on site for afterwards.
How fit do you need to be to climb?
They say the routes and boulder problems suit all levels, from complete beginners to seasoned climbers.
Featured in 1 Huddlepin list
See all Adventure Parks & High Ropes in Southampton · Things to do in Southampton
MAKE A DAY OF IT
